@mmkhan

Thank you for that. I enjoyed and can relate to it definitely.

@ Wakas
The exciting version would have none of you speaking to me. If fact I'm pretty sure I'd quit talking to myself too! ( hmm maybe that is a good thing)

It was a boring story. P Thank you for taking time to read it, and welcoming me. handshake

There is so much to learn, and I want to do it all at once!

I have wandered in here because for 4 months, give or take I have been exploring Islam out of curiosity, as I have explored a few religions and ideas, looking to make a fulfilling connection with God. I made a couple Muslim friends online, and about 1.5 ago, I had a brief couple of discussions about Islam which was my first encounter with it. I did not pursue it. Then the second Muslim came in to my life, and has been a very good friend to me, and is just a lovely human being. This friend did not push nor really even talk about her beliefs, but I wanted to know more and thus she served as a catalyst and I began to muddle around through things, and eventually picking up an English Qur'an. I have decided as of today that I am offically a Muslim.

I come from a pentecostal immediate family, with 2 ministers from other Christian sects also in my near extended family. I was a model Christian child, predicted to be a missionary at the age of 6. God knows I tried to reach him and I found myself running into wall after wall late in my high school years. I explored Judaism, and different sects of Christianity over many years, but nothing hit home, and I hit rock bottom, a few times over. I pretty much existed at rock bottom and but for a merciful God, I wouldn't be alive. My prayer for many years was "God, I'm lost. I know your'e out there. Don't forget about me." I just couldn't seem to find my way.

I could scare you and make you cry with a horror story but there's no need for that. Praise to Allah! He is forgiving. My recent life had become more "norm" if you will, but still thoroughly lacking. That chapter on life has closed. I began to read Qur'an. I began to really believe in God again. I began to pray again. I found peace, or it found me rather. I am elated and at peace as I begin my new journey, having made a formal commitment before Allah today.

I really don't know to much yet. I am just a baby in my new faith. I am trying my best to follow Allah's lead, and study his words.